Small Modular Reactor Technology

Ashley Seni
March 14, 2011

The United States' transition to clean energy has
been marked by many challenges, particularly the disparity between the
country's baseload electricity and manufacturing energy needs and the
technologies that are available to meet those needs. Nuclear power
offers a potential solution to this problem as a low-emission, scalable
source of electricity. In an op-ed published by the Wall Street
Journal, U.S. Secretary of Energy, Steven Chu, argues that small modular
reactor (SMR) technology is the future of nuclear power and offers an
economical and scalable option for producing clean energy. SMRs benefit
from their small size, ranging from 1/20th to 1/4th the size of large
nuclear reactors, and compact design that allows for efficient
production in factories and domestic shipping. [1] Chu claims that
"would significantly expand the options for nuclear power and its
applications." [1]

Developments in SMR technology

As companies work toward the commercialization of
SMRs, research and development efforts are focused on the design of
light water SMRs. Light water SMRs are flexible for utilities as the
modular design allows for capacity to be added incrementally as needed.
While large nuclear power plants provide baseload power, smaller modules
may be more suitable for small electric grids. [2] Further advancements
in reactor design can potentially lead to new capabilities, including
SMRs that can supply heat and electricity directly to industrial users
or convert nuclear waste into electricity. [2]

GE Hitachi Generation IV PRISM reactor

GE-Hitachi has been developing the Power Reactor
Innovative Small Module (PRISM), a compact modular pool-type reactor
with passive cooling for heat removal based on the light water reactor
design. The reactor has a modular design with two reactor modules that
have an electrical output of 311 MWe each. [3] The design utilizes a
sodium coolant and operates at 930°F. [3] The metal fuel is obtained
from used light water reactor fuel, then reprocessed to otain fresh fuel
that has minor actinides with the plutonium. [3]

Conclusion

Energy security and the reduction of carbon pollution
are two major national priorities that can be addressed by the
development of SMR technologies. Despite the benefits and potential of
SMRs, they are no more controversial than conventional reactors, as
little is known about their safety level and their level of nuclear
waste production. There is clearly a need for funding to develop safe
designs that optimize the available resources and electricity production
while minimizing nuclear waste and greenhouse gas emissions. The
technology's flexibility and scalability is an attractive option for
facilitating the U.S.' transition to clean energy.